Power sliding window assembly

ABSTRACT

A power window assembly in a vehicle includes first and second slidable window panes mounted to the vehicle for movement in opposing lateral directions towards each other to a closed position and away from each other to an open position. A first pair of connector arms is operatively connected to the first window pane and a second pair of connector arms is operatively connected to the second window pane. A power drive mechanism engages the connector arms and selectively pulls one of the connector arms of the first pair and one of the connector arms of the second pair away from each other to pull the window panes towards the open position and selectively pulls the other of the connector arms of the first pair and the other of the connector arms of the second pair towards each other for pulling the window panes towards the closed position.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,046filed Jun. 2, 1995, and issued Jul. 2, 1996.

This invention relates to a sliding window assembly for a vehicle andmore particularly to providing powered operation of the sliding windowassembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known to have a rear window opening in a truck cab including acentral opening defined between a pair of stationary window panes and toprovide one or more laterally slidable window panes therebetween. Theslidable window panes each typically are movable between a closedposition closing the central opening and an open position opening thecentral opening. The slidable window panes each partially overlie one ofthe stationary window panes in the open position.

The slidable window panes may be moved between the open and closedpositions either manually or by use of a power drive mechanism. Forexample, it is known to have a reversible motor which drives a rack andpinion, cable, tape, or some combination thereof for moving the slidablewindow panes between the open and closed positions. However, the powerdrive mechanisms of the prior art have numerous shortcomings which makethe power window assembly cumbersome and expensive.

For example, the power drive mechanisms of the prior art are typicallypositioned within or integrally connected in some manner to a frameassembly which is mounted to the vehicle body and holds the windowpanes. Thus, the power drive mechanism must be purchased as a cumbersomeand expensive power window assembly which includes the window panes anda specially modified frame integrally assembled with the power drivemechanism. In operation, these prior art power window assembliestypically push the window in one direction and pull the window in theother direction, thus limiting the smoothness of the window movement. Inaddition, extra parts are required such as a track or sheath in whichthe flexible cable or tape rides to prevent buckling during pushingmovement of the window panes between the open and closed positions.

The prior art power window assemblies also have the shortcoming ofhaving only a rigid nonadjustable connection to the slidable windowpanes, thus being highly sensitive to dimensional variations. To avoidthis shortcoming, the prior art power drive mechanism is integrallyconnected to the window assembly and sold as a replacement unit for themanually movable window assembly already provided with the vehicle.However, when the power window assembly is sold as a replacement unit toalleviate dimensional concerns between the power drive mechanism and thewindow assembly, then other dimensional fit concerns occur between thereplacement unit and the truck body. Thus, prior art power windowassemblies also have the disadvantage of high repair and replacementcosts. Additionally, prior art power window assemblies have manycomponents which are complex to assemble, require numerous fasteners,and are not easily adaptable to fit different size windows or toaccommodate either one or two sliding window panes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves the shortcomings of the prior art byproviding a power drive mechanism which is independent and separate fromthe window assembly including the window panes and the frame such thatthe window assembly may be assembled directly to the vehicle bodyseparate from the power drive mechanism. The present inventionpreferably provides a power drive mechanism which may easily be added toany existing manual laterally sliding window assembly having at leastone slidable pane. The present invention is further characterized bybeing easily adaptable for movement of window panes of varying widths orone or two sliding window panes. Also advantageously, the power drivemechanism of the present invention is characterized by easy snap-fittedand slip-fitted attachment of the components and reduced numberfasteners for reduction in assembly costs. The present inventionadvantageously provides a pull/pull system which pulls the slidablewindow panes between the open and closed positions to provide smoothsliding movement of the slidable window panes.

These advantages are accomplished in a preferred form of the presentinvention by providing a power window assembly in a vehicle includingfirst and second slidable window panes mounted to the vehicle formovement in opposing lateral directions towards each other to a closedposition and away from each other to an open position. A first pair ofconnector arms is operatively connected to the first window pane and asecond pair of connector arms is operatively connected to the secondwindow pane. A power drive mechanism engages the connector arms andselectively pulls one of the connector arms of the first pair and one ofthe connector arms of the second pair away from each other to pull thewindow panes towards the open position and selectively pulls the otherof the connector arms of the first pair and the other of the connectorarms of the second pair towards each other for pulling the window panestowards the closed position.

The power drive mechanism preferably includes a motor and a length oftape having a plurality of slots therein. The length of tape ispreferably formed into a loop and coupled to the motor for selectivemovement thereby. The loop preferably has a laterally elongated upperlength and a laterally elongated lower length spaced beneath andparallel to the upper length. Also preferably, the window panes extendin a vertical direction and the tape has a tape width oriented normal tothe vertical direction.

According to another preferred aspect of the invention, one of the pairsof the connector arms is adapted for engaging the slots on the upperlength of the loop and the other of the pairs of connector arms isadapted for engaging the slots on the lower length of the loop.Preferably, the other of the pairs of connector arms adapted forengaging the lower length of the loop each have a laterally extendingslot for slidably receiving the upper length of the tape therethroughwhereby the upper length of the loop moves freely relative the slots.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a powerwindow assembly in a vehicle includes a slidable window pane slidablymounted to the vehicle for movement in a first lateral direction to anopen position and in a second lateral direction to a closed position;first and second housing members mounted to the vehicle and laterallyspaced apart from each other, the first and second housing members eachhaving a laterally extending channeled portion therein; a laterallyelongated channel member having a first end adapted for slip-fittedinsertion into the channeled portion of the first housing member andhaving a second end adapted for slip-fitted insertion into the channeledportion of the second housing member; a first gear rotatably supportedon the first housing member; a second gear rotatably supported on thesecond housing member; a reversible electric motor mounted to the firsthousing member and engaging the first gear for selectively rotating thefirst gear in a first direction and a second direction; a length of tapespaced apart beneath the channel and having a plurality of slotstherein, the tape being formed into a loop and extending around thefirst and second gears, the loop including a laterally elongated upperlength and a laterally elongated lower length disposed beneath andparallel to the upper length; first and second connector armsoperatively connected to the window pane and each having a laterallyextending channeled portion extending entirely therethrough and adaptedfor slip-fitted connection to the channel member and laterally slidablerelative the channel member when connected thereto, the connector armseach having a lower end portion spaced beneath the channeled portions ofthe connector arms and adapted for engaging the slots of the upperlength of the loop whereby rotation of the first gear in the firstdirection pulls the first connector arm in the first lateral directionto pull the window pane to the open position and rotation of the firstgear in the second direction pulls the second connector arm in thesecond lateral direction to pull the window pane to the closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the present invention is described, by way of exampleonly, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a frontal perspective view of a vehicle partially-broken-awayand having a power window assembly including a window assembly and apower drive mechanism for moving the window assembly;

FIG. 2 is a view taken along line 2--2 of FIG. 1 and showing a frontview of the power drive mechanism and the window assembly in the closedposition and partially-broken-away;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, but showing the window assembly inthe open position;

FIG. 4 is an enlargement of the encircled portion as indicated at 4 inFIG. 3 and showing a second housing member and a partially-broken-awayhousing cover;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an enlargement of the encircled portion as indicated at 6 inFIG. 3 and showing a lower connector arm;

FIG. 7 is a view taken along line 7--7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an enlargement of the encircled portion as indicated at 8 inFIG. 3 and showing an upper connector arm;

FIG. 9 is a view taken along line 9--9 of FIG. 8,

FIG. 10 is an enlargement of the encircled portion as indicated at 10 inFIG. 3 and showing a first housing member and a partially-broken-awayelectric motor;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 8, but showing an alternate embodimentof an upper end portion of the upper connector arm;

FIG. 15 is a view taken along line 12--12 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but showing another alternateembodiment of the invention adapted for a window assembly having oneslidable window pane;

FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 2, but showing the alternateembodiment of FIG. 13 with the window assembly in the closed position;and

FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 14, but showing the window assembly inthe open position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle 20 includes a trapezoidal-shaped windowopening 22 suitably formed by sheet metal vehicle structure 21. A powerwindow assembly 24 includes a window assembly 30 and a power drivemechanism 60 adjustably connected to the window assembly 30, asdescribed in detail hereinafter. The window assembly 30 includes aconventional frame 32 suitably mounted in the window opening 22 andhaving an inboard channel 34 and an outboard channel 36 formed on alower edge 38 of the frame 32 as best shown in FIGS. 7 and 9. Referringto FIG. 2, the window assembly 30 includes first and second spaced apartstationary window panes 40, 42 permanently mounted in the outboardchannel 36 and at opposite sides of the window opening 22. Each of thestationary window panes 40, 42 includes a vertically extending free edge41, 43 which does not engage the frame 32. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and3, the free edges 41, 43 of the stationary window panes 40, 42 and anupper edge (not shown) and the lower edge 38 of the frame 32cooperatively define a central window opening 45.

First and second slidable window panes 46, 48 are conventionallyslidably mounted in the inboard channel 34 on the frame 32 for lateralmovement between a closed position completely covering the centralwindow opening 45 as shown in FIG. 2 and an open position in which thefirst and second slidable window panes 46, 48 each overlie at least aportion of the first and second stationary window panes 40, 42,respectively, as shown in FIG. 3. It will be appreciated that the windowpanes 40, 42, 46, 48 and the frame 32 are preferably the originalequipment as provided with the vehicle 20 for manual operation. Thestationary and slidable window panes 40, 42, 46, 48 may carry suitableseals 49 thereon for weather protection.

Referring to FIGS. 6-9, the window assembly 30 includes mountingbrackets 50 each preferably molded from a polymeric material andincluding a rear face 52 preferably formed by a planar insert 54integrally molded with the mounting bracket 50. As shown in FIGS. 2 and3, two mounting brackets 50 are rigidly mounted on each of the first andsecond slidable window panes 46, 48 and located proximate oppositelateral sides of the slidable window panes 46, 48 and near the loweredge 38 of the frame 32. The rear face 52 of the mounting brackets 50are each preferably adhesively bonded to the slidable window panes 46,48, such as by an adhesive material 56. Thus, the mounting brackets 50are not moveable relative the slidable window panes 46, 48 when mountedthereto. The mounting brackets 50 each include an upwardly openingpocket 57 having a U-shaped forward opening 58. The mounting brackets 50are coupled to the power drive mechanism 60 for lateral movement inunison therewith, as described further hereinafter.

The power drive mechanism 60 provides powered operation of the windowassembly 30. The power drive mechanism 60 may advantageously be usedwith any existing standard vehicle window assembly 30 having slidablewindow panes 46, 48 with two mounting brackets 50 attached to each ofthe sliding window panes 46, 48. The power drive mechanism 60 isassembled completely independently and separately from the windowassembly 30 and can later be easily attached thereto at the vehicle 20assembly location. The power drive mechanism 60 is mounted to thevehicle structure 21 at a location beneath and longitudinally offset ina forward direction from the window assembly 30 and is disposed entirelyoutside the window frame 32. The power drive mechanism 60 is adjustablyconnected to the window assembly 30 as described further hereinafter.

Referring to FIGS. 1-10, the power drive mechanism 60 includes thecomponent parts of a channel member 62 extending between first andsecond housing members, 70, 100 a first gear 90 rotatably supported onthe first housing member 70 and driven by an electric motor 120, alength of tape 140 having a plurality of slots 142 therein and formedinto a loop 144 and coupling the first gear 90 to a second gear 110supported in the second housing member 100, and floating connector arms160, 170, 180, 190 for adjustably connecting and laterally coupling thetape 140 of the power drive mechanism 60 to the mounting brackets 50 ofthe window assembly 30.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 7, the laterally elongated channel member 62 ispreferably formed of rolled steel and offset longitudinally forward fromthe window panes 40, 42, 46, 48 when the power drive mechanism 60 ismounted to the vehicle structure 21. The channel member 62 is laterallydisposed and preferably has a lateral length greater than the combinedlateral lengths of the slidable window panes 46, 48 such that thechannel member 62 laterally extends from beneath the first stationarywindow pane 40 to beneath the second stationary window pane 42.Referring to FIGS. 5 and 10, the channel member 62 includes a first end64 spaced beneath the first stationary window pane 40 and an oppositesecond end 66 spaced beneath the second stationary window 42. Thechannel member 62 preferably has a continuously extending constanthat-shaped cross-section as best shown in FIGS. 7 and 9.

Referring to FIG. 10, the first housing member 70 is preferablyintegrally molded from a plastic material and includes a laterallyextending first channel portion 72 matably shaped for receiving thefirst end 64 of the channel member 62 therein by slip-fitted lateralinsertion. The first housing member 70 is mounted to the vehiclestructure 21 at a location beneath the first stationary window pane 40and offset longitudinally forward from the window assembly 30. The firsthousing member 70 further includes a forwardly opening circular firstcavity 74 formed therein for rotatably supporting the first gear 90therein. The first gear 90 is preferably molded from a plastic materialand includes an outer surface 92 having outwardly projecting first gearteeth 94 circumferentially spaced equally apart and adapted for engagingthe slots 142 on the tape 140 for driving the tape 140, as describedfurther hereinafter. The first gear 90 includes a serrated inner surface96.

Forwardly opening upper and lower laterally elongated first guide slots76, 78 for guiding the tape 140 are formed in the first housing member70 and vertically aligned beneath the first channelled portion 72. Theupper and lower first guide slots 76, 78 each have a longitudinal depthapproximately equal to a width of the tape 140 for closely receiving thetape 140 therein. The upper and lower first guide slots 76, 78 eachlaterally extend through to the first cavity 74 of the first housingmember 70. The first housing member 70 also includes apertures (notshown) for receiving first mounting fasteners 80, such as rivets, forsecuring the first housing member 70 to the vehicle structure 21. Thefirst housing member 70 further includes apertures (not shown) forreceiving motor fasteners 83, such as rivets, to mount the electricmotor 120 to the first housing member 70.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the second housing member 100 is preferablyintegrally molded from a plastic material and includes a laterallyextending second channel portion 102 matably shaped for receiving thesecond end 66 of the channel member 62 therein by slip-fitted lateralinsertion. The second housing member 100 further includes a forwardlyopening circular second cavity 104 formed therein for rotatablysupporting the second gear 110 therein on a circular post 106. Thesecond gear 110 is preferably integrally molded from a plastic materialand includes an outer surface 112 having outwardly projecting secondgear teeth 114 equally circumferentially spaced for engaging the slots142 on the tape 140. A serrated inner surface 116 of the second gear 110freely rotates about the circular post 106 formed in the second cavity104. While the second gear 110 has the serrated inner surface 116 to beinterchangeable with the first gear 90, the inner surface 116 could alsobe smooth.

Forwardly opening upper and lower laterally elongated second guide slots107, 108 are formed in the second housing member 100 and are verticallyaligned beneath the second channel portion 102. The upper and lowersecond guide slots 107, 108 each have a longitudinal depth approximatelyequal to the width of the tape 140 and are sized for closely receivingthe tape 140 therein. The second housing member 100 also preferablyincludes a forwardly opening tensioner cavity 118 shaped for closelyreceiving a tensioner member 130 therein, described further hereinafter.The second housing member 100 includes apertures (not shown) forreceiving second mounting fasteners 119 therein, such as rivets, forsecuring the second housing member 100 to the vehicle structure 21 at alocation offset longitudinally forward from the window assembly 30. Aplurality of integral tabs 109 are preferably included on a forward face101 of the second housing member 100 for holding a housing cover 136 inposition on the second housing member 100.

As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the tensioner member 130 is preferablyintegrally molded of a plastic material and is seated in the tensionercavity 118 of the second housing member 100. The tensioner member 130includes a lower body portion 131 and a flexible upper tongue 132 whichflexibly engages and is upwardly biased against the tape 140 to maintaintension on the tape 140 and prevent slack in the tape 140 to ensuresmooth movement of the slidable window panes 46, 48 between the open andclosed positions, as described further hereinafter.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the housing cover 136 is generally planarand integrally molded from a plastic material. The housing cover 136 isadapted for slip-fitted lateral insertion beneath the tabs 109 on thesecond housing member 100. The housing cover 136 traps the second gear110, tensioner member 130, and tape 140 within the second housing member100 when mounted thereto.

A reversible electric motor 120 is mounted to the first housing member70 by the plurality of motor fasteners 83, such as rivets, as best shownin FIG. 10. A serrated shaft 122 is connected to the motor 120 andextends outwardly therefrom in a rearward direction. The shaft 122 ofthe motor 120 engages and is rotatively coupled to the serrated innersurface 96 of the first gear 90. The electric motor 120 selectivelyrotates the first gear 90 in clockwise and counterclockwise directions.A suitable casing 124 encloses the motor 120 as best shown in FIG. 10.Attachment of the motor 120 to the first housing member 70 traps thefirst gear 90 and tape 140 within the first housing member 70, asdescribed further below.

Referring to FIG. 2, the length of tape 140 is preferably made of apolyester elastomer, such as "DYMETROL" by Dupont or a similar material.The length of tape 140 is formed into a generally continuous tape loop144 by snap-fitted connection of a first end 146 and a second end 148 ofthe tape 140 onto the connector arm 180 of the power drive mechanism 60,as described further hereinafter. As best shown in FIG. 10, theplurality of slots 142 on the tape 140 are adapted for engaging andbeing driven by the first gear teeth 94 on the first gear 90, thusrotatively coupling the tape loop 144 to the motor 120 for movement ofthe tape loop 144 in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Asbest shown in FIG. 4, the second gear teeth 114 on the second gear 110also matably engage the slots 142 of the tape 140 such that the secondgear 110 is rotatively coupled to the tape 140. The tape loop 144includes an outer race 150 and an inner race 151 each extending aroundthe length of tape loop 144. As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 10, the tapeloop 144 further includes a laterally extending upper length 153 and alaterally extending lower length 154 being parallel to and verticallyspaced apart directly below the upper length 153. The tape loop 144further includes first and second opposing U-shaped lateral ends 156,157 engaging the first and second gears 90, 110, respectively, andinterconnecting the upper length 153 and the lower length 154 of thetape loop 144. The tape loop 144 has a tape width which is orientedperpendicular to the vertically extending window panes 40, 42, 46, 48when the power drive mechanism 60 is mounted on the vehicle structure21. The upper and lower lengths 153, 154 of the tape loop 144 extendparallel to and are vertically aligned beneath the channel member 62.The tape loop 144 laterally extends between the first and second housingmembers 70, 100 and is routed through the upper and lower first guideslots, 76, 78, around the first gear 90 in the first cavity 74, throughthe upper and lower second guide slots, 107, 108, around the second gear110 in the second cavity 104, and over the tensioner member 130 in thetensioner cavity 118. Advantageously, the assembled tape loop 144 istightly drawn around the first and second gears 90, 110 and thus isconstantly maintained in tension such that the tape loop 144 holdstogether the power drive mechanism 60 as a single assembly prior toattachment to the vehicle structure 21 and enables smooth pull/pulloperation of the window assembly 30, as described further hereinafter.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first and second upper connector arms160, 170 operatively connect the upper length 153 of the tape loop 144to the first slidable window pane 46 and the first and second lowerconnector arms 180, 190 operatively connect the lower length 154 of tapeloop 144 to the second slidable window pane 48. It is essential that atleast two connector arms 160, 170, 180, 190 are connected to each of thefirst and second slidable window panes 46, 48 to enable pull/pullmovement of the window assembly 30 between the open and closedpositions, as described further hereinafter. The first and second upperconnector arms 160, 170 preferably are interchangeable and the first andsecond lower connector arms 180, 190 are preferably interchangeable. Theupper and lower connector arms 160, 170, 180, 190 are each preferably asingle integral part molded from a plastic material. The first andsecond upper connector arms 160, 170 are each operatively connected toopposite lateral sides of the first slidable window pane 46 near thelower edge 38 of the frame 32 and the first and second lower connectorarms 180, 190 are each operatively connected to opposite lateral sidesof the second slidable window pane 48 near the lower edge 38 of theframe 32.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6-10, the upper and lower connector arms 160,170, 180, 190 each include a generally T-shaped upper portion 161, 171,181, 191 adjustably connected to respective mounting brackets 50, acentral grooved portion 162, 172, 182, 192 for slidably engaging thechannel member 62 therein, and a lower end portion 163, 173, 183, 193adapted for engagement with the slots 142 on the tape loop 144. Thegenerally T-shaped upper portions 161, 171, 181, 191 of the connectorarms 160, 170, 180, 190 each include a laterally extending rod-shapedupper end portion 164, 174, 184, 194 and a downwardly and longitudinallyforwardly extending neck portion 165, 175, 185, 195. The rod-shapedupper end portions 164, 174, 184, 194 extend laterally outward from theneck portions 165, 175, 185, 195 and are integrally connected at theircenters to upper ends 166, 177, 187, 197 of the neck portions 165, 175,185, 195. The neck portions 165, 175, 185, 195 have lateral dimensionssized for closely extending through the forward opening 58 of theupwardly opening pockets 57 in the mounting brackets 50 such that themounting brackets 50 are laterally coupled to the connector arms 160,170, 180, 190 for lateral movement in unison therewith.

As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 6-10, the rod-shaped upper end portions164, 174, 184, 194 are seated in the pockets 57 of the mounting brackets50 and are vertically slidable relative to the mounting brackets 50.Each of the upper end portions 164, 174, 184, 194 are adapted forpivotal rotation about a laterally extending pivot axis A of therod-shaped upper end portions 164, 174, 184, 194 such that the connectorarms 160, 170, 180, 190 are vertically slidable relative the mountingbrackets 50 and pivotally connected thereto to provide a verticallyadjustable and pivotal attachment between the window assembly 30 and thepower drive mechanism 60.

The grooved portions 162, 172, 182, 192 of the connector arms 160, 170,180, 190 each depend downwardly from respective lower ends 168, 178,188, 198 of the neck portions 165, 175, 185, 195, are laterallyextending and are shaped for slidably receiving the channel member 62therein such that the connector arms 160, 170, 180, 190 are slidablyconnected to the channel member 62 and are easily laterally slidablerelative the channel member 62 when engaged therewith. The lower endportions 163, 173, 183, 193 of the connector arms 160, 170, 180, 190 arealigned below the corresponding grooved portions 162, 172, 182, 192. Thelower end portions 163, 173, 183, 193 each include vertically downwardlyextending teeth 169, 179, 189, 199 adapted for engaging the slots 142 inthe tape 140. Preferably, teeth 169, 179, 189, 199 on each of theconnector arms 160, 170, 180, 190 selectively include undercut barbedportions 200 for trapping the tape 140 on the teeth 169, 179, 189, 199.

In addition to the components of the connector arms 160, 170, 180, 190described above, the lower connector arms 180, 190 each include alaterally extending pass slot 201 interposed between the groovedportions 182, 192 and the lower end portions 183, 193 as best shown inFIG. 6. The pass slots 201 extend entirely through the lower connectorarms 180, 190 and are sized for slidably engaging the upper length 153of the tape loop 144 therein such that the pass slots 201 provideguidance and support for the upper length 153 of the tape loop 144.Advantageously, the laterally extending pass slots 201 permit the tapeloop 144 to be vertically arranged such that the upper length 153 of thetape loop 144 is positioned directly above and parallel to the lowerlength 154 such that the width of the tape 140 is oriented normal to thevertically extending window panes 40, 42, 46, 48. Thus, the lowerconnector arms 180, 190 are advantageously engageable with the lowerlength 154 of the tape loop 144 to pull open and closed the secondslidable window pane 48, without interfering with the movement of theupper length 153 of the tape loop 144 as enabled by the pass slots 201.Advantageously, the vertically aligned tape loop 144 arrangement permitsthe power drive mechanism 60 to be packaged in a longitudinally narrowspace, such as behind a seat or in a wall of a vehicle 20.

If desired, a central support arm 210 may be mounted to the vehiclestructure 21 as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. When using the power drivemechanism 60 with a laterally wide window assembly 30, the upper andlower lengths 153, 154 of the tape loop 144 may be routed through upperand lower pass slits 212 in the central support arm 210 to assist withguidance and support of the tape loop 144. The central support arm 210preferably includes a grooved portion 214 through which the channelmember 62 extends and is supported. In addition, the power drivemechanism 60 may include a molded plastic trim cover 61, best shown inphantom lines in FIGS. 1, 7 and 9, which may be used to cover the entirepower drive mechanism 60 from view and is mounted to the vehiclestructure 21 after mounting the power drive mechanism 60.

The power window assembly 24 is cooperatively provided by connection ofthe window assembly 30 and the power drive mechanism 60 which are eachseparately and independently assembled apart from the vehicle 20. Thepower window assembly 24 is provided by mounting the window assembly 30to the window opening 22 in the vehicle 20, connecting the power drivemechanism 60 to the window assembly 30, and mounting the power drivemechanism 60 to the vehicle structure 21.

As best shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the window assembly 30 is preferablyassembled as follows. The first and second stationary window panes 40,42 are conventionally mounted in the outboard channel 36 of the standardframe 32 and the first and second slidable window panes 46, 48 areconventionally mounted in the inboard channel 34 of the standard frame32. Next, two mounting brackets 50 are fixedly attached to the firstslidable window pane 46 and two mounting brackets 50 are fixedlyattached to the second slidable window pane 48. More specifically, therear faces 52 of the mounting brackets 50 being the metal inserts 54,preferably being aluminum, are each preferably adhesively bonded to thecorresponding slidable window panes 46, 48 as best illustrated in FIGS.7 and 9. The metal aluminum inserts 54 are preferred over plastic due totheir superior bonding properties. The placement of the mountingbrackets 50 on the slidable window panes 46, 48 may be assisted by analignment template (not shown). Thus, the manually operable windowassembly 30 including the window panes 40, 42, 46, 48 and frame 32 asoriginally provided with the vehicle 20 is advantageously the samewindow assembly 30 used for the power window assembly 24 with the simpleaddition of the mounting brackets 50.

While numerous variations are possible, the power drive mechanism 60 ispreferably assembled as follows. Preferably the first gear 90 is droppedrearwardly into the first cavity 74 of the first housing member 70 andis rotatably supported therein. Next, the serrated shaft 122 of themotor 120 is matably aligned with the serrated inner surface 96 of thefirst gear 90 and pushed rearwardly therein and the motor 120 and casing124 is secured to the first housing member 70 by the motor fasteners 83,such as rivets. The motor 120 acts as a cover which traps the first gear90 in the first cavity 74.

Next, the first and second upper connector arms 160, 170, the centralsupport arm 210, and the first and second lower connector arms 180, 190are each pushed onto the channel member 62 and approximately spaced asshown in FIG. 2. Thus, the channel member 62 is successivelyslip-fittedly inserted through the grooved portions 162, 172, 182, 192of the first and second upper connector arms 160, 170, the first andsecond lower connector arms 170, 180, respectively, such that theconnector arms 160, 170, 180, 190 are laterally slidable relative thechannel member 62. Next, the first and second housing members 70, 100are pushed onto the first and second ends 64, 66 of the channel member62, respectively. Thus, the channel member 62 now laterally extendsbetween and connects the first housing member 70 and the second housingmember 100.

The length of tape 140 is preferably previously cut to the appropriatelength being somewhat greater than twice the lateral length of thechannel member 62. Preferably, the second end 148 of the tape 140 ispushed into the lower first guide slot 78 on the first housing member 70such that the slots 142 near the second end 148 of the tape 140 engagethe first gear teeth 94 on the first gear 90. Next, power is supplied tothe motor 120 such that the motor 120 rotates the first gear 90 in thecounterclockwise direction. The first gear teeth 94 on the first gear 90successively engage the slots 142 on the tape 140 and thread the tape140 around the first gear 90 and out through the upper first guide slot76 in the first housing member 70. The rotating motor 120 continues tofeed the tape 140 in the leftwardly direction past the first and secondupper connector arms 160, 170. The second end 148 of the tape 140 isthen successively threaded through the pass slots 212, 201 on thecentral support arm 210 and second and first lower connector arms 180,190.

Next, the second gear 110 is pushed rearwardly into the second cavity104 on the second housing member 100 and is freely rotatably supportedtherein by the circular post 106. The second end 148 of the tape 140continues to be fed leftwardly by the first gear 90 and is then insertedthrough the upper second guide slot 107 of the second housing member 100and threaded around the second gear 110 such that the tape 140 engagesthe second gear teeth 114 on the second gear 110. The tape 140 continuesto be fed around the second gear 110 and out through the lower secondguide slot 108 of the second housing member 100 until the second end 148of the tape 140 is aligned approximately beneath the left half of thefirst lower connector arm 180. Next, the first end 146 of the tape 140is threaded through the lower pass slot 212 on the central support arm210 and the first end 146 of the tape 140 is aligned beneath the rightside of the first lower connector arm 180. As best shown in FIG. 6, theslots 142 on the first end 146 of the tape 140 are snapped onto thecorresponding downwardly depending teeth 189 on the right side of thefirst lower connector arm 180 and the slots 142 on the second end 148 ofthe tape 140 are snapped onto the downwardly depending teeth 189 on theleft side of the first lower connector arm 180. The barbed portions 200on the downwardly depending teeth 189 prevent release of the tape 140from the first lower connector arm 180. Thus, attachment of the firstand second ends 146, 148 of the tape 140 to the first lower connectorarm 180 forms the tape 140 into a generally continuous tape loop 144.Thus, the upper length 153 of the tape 140 is positioned directlyvertically above the lower length 154 of the tape 140 and first andsecond opposite lateral ends 156, 157 of the tape engage the first andsecond gears 90, 110, respectively. It will be appreciated that in theassembled condition the tape 140 is drawn taught and continually intension.

Next, the tensioner member 130 is pushed rearwardly into the tensionercavity 118 on the second housing member 100 such that lower length 154of tape 140 is now routed over the tongue 132 of the tensioner member130. The tongue 132 of the tensioner member 130 is upwardly biasedagainst the outer race 150 of the lower length 154 of the tape 140 andremoves any slight amount of slack that may be present in the tape 140after assembly to the first and second housing members 70, 100. At thistime the housing cover 136 is assembled to the second housing member 100simply by slip-fitted insertion in a rightwardly direction beneath thetabs 109 on the second housing member 100. When the housing cover 136 isassembled to the second housing member 100, the housing cover 136 trapsthe tensioner member 130 in the tensioner cavity 118, traps the secondgear 110 in the second cavity 104 and traps the slotted tape 140 in theupper and lower second guide slots 107, 108. It will further beappreciated that the motor 120 and motor casing 124 serve a similarfunction on the first housing member 70 by trapping the first gear 90 inthe first cavity 74 and by trapping the tape 140 in the upper and lowerfirst guide slots 76, 78.

Next, a fixture or template may be used to laterally align the connectorarms 160, 170, 180, 190 on the channel member 62 in positioncorresponding to the closed position of the window assembly 30 as shownin FIG. 2. Assembly of the power drive mechanism 60 is completed bysnapping the lower end portions 163, 173 of the upper connector arms160, 170 onto the outer race 150 of the upper length 153 of the tapeloop 144 and snapping the lower end portion 193 of the second lowerconnector arm 190 onto the inner race 151 of the lower length 154 of thetape loop 144.

Thus, it will be appreciated that the finally assembled tape loop 144securely connects the components of the power drive mechanism 60together such that the power drive mechanism 60 is sufficiently sturdyto transport to the vehicle 20 assembly location. It will further beappreciated that the power drive mechanism 60 is assembled as acompletely separate and independent unit from the window assembly 30.

The power window assembly 24 is completed at the vehicle assemblylocation as follows. The window assembly 30 is installed in the windowopening 22 of the vehicle 20 in a suitable manner as is well-known inthe art. Next, the rod-shaped upper end portions 164, 174, 184, 194 ofthe connector arms 160, 170, 180, 190 are each aligned above therespective mounting brackets 50 on the window assembly 30. The upper endportions 164, 174, 184, 194 of the upper portions 161, 171, 181, 191 areslip-fittedly inserted into the pockets 57 of the mounting brackets 50such that the rod-shaped upper end portions 164, 174, 184, 194 areseated in the pockets 57 and the neck portions 165, 175, 185, 195 of theconnector arms 160, 170, 180, 190 extend forwardly and downwardly outthrough the forward openings 58 of the pockets 57. The upper endportions 164, 174, 184, 194 of the connector arms 160, 170, 180, 190 areeach vertically slidable relative the mounting brackets 50 and arepivotally connected to the mounting brackets 50 for pivotal movementabout laterally extending pivot axes A. Thus, the entire power drivemechanism 60 is now suspended from the window assembly 30 by theconnector arms 160, 170, 180, 190.

It will be appreciated that since the connector arms 160, 170, 180, 190are pivotally connected to the slidable window panes 46, 48 and arevertically slidable relative thereto, the entire power drive mechanism60 may be longitudinally and vertically adjusted for easily aligning themounting apertures (not shown) in the first and second housing members70, 100 with mounting holes (not shown) provided on the vehiclestructure 21. Thus, any dimensional variations between the power drivemechanism 60 and the vehicle 20 are accommodated by the adjustableconnection between the power drive mechanism 60 and the window assembly30. Next, the first and second mounting fasteners, 80, 119, such asrivets, are driven through the first and second housing members, 70,100, respectively, to mount the power drive mechanism 60 to the vehiclestructure 21. Connection of the first and second housing members 70, 100to the vehicle structure 21 in combination with the tension on the tapeloop 144 now prevents inadvertent vertical upward removal of theconnector arms 160, 170, 180, 190 from the mounting brackets 50.

Advantageously, the power drive mechanism 60 has absolutely noconnection to the frame 32 of the window assembly 30 and is assembled asa unit completely independent and separate from the window assembly 30.It will be appreciated that the connector arms 160, 170, 180, 190 mayprovide an adjustable floating connection between the tape 140 and theslidable window panes 46, 48 to enable easy alignment of the power drivemechanism 60 relative the vehicle 20 and window assembly 30 in thevertical and longitudinal directions as enabled by the rod-shaped upperend portions 164, 174, 184, 194 seated in the pockets 57 of the mountingbrackets 50.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the power drive mechanism 60 pulls open andpulls closed the first and second slidable window panes 46, 48 asfollows. To open the movable window panes 46, 48, the operator pushes aswitch in the cab, not shown, which is connected to the reversibleelectric motor 120 and the electric motor 120 drives the first gear 90in a clockwise direction. The first gear 90 which is engaging the tape140 pulls the upper length 153 of the tape loop 144 away from the firstslidable window pane 46. The teeth 169 extending from the first upperconnector arm 160 and engaging the tape 140 causes the laterally coupledrespective mounting bracket 50 to slide to the right and to pull thefirst movable window pane 46 from the closed position shown in FIG. 2 tothe open position shown in FIG. 3. Simultaneously, the second gear 110is rotated in a clockwise direction by the pulling of the upper length153 of the tape loop 144 engaged with the second gear 110. The secondgear 110 and upper length 153 of tape 140 cooperatively pull the lowerlength 154 of the tape loop 144 away from the second window slidablewindow pane 48. The teeth 199 extending from the second lower connectorarm 190 and engaging the lower length 154 of the tape loop 144 causesthe laterally coupled mounting brackets 50 on the second slidable windowpane 48 to slide to the left and to pull the second slidable window pane48 from the closed position shown in FIG. 2 to the open position shownin FIG. 3. When the first and second slidable window panes 46, 48 arriveat the fully open position shown in FIG. 2, the first upper connectorarm 160 and second lower connector arm 190 engage the first and secondhousing members 70, 100, respectively, and prevent further rotation ofthe motor 120 which then stalls and switches off. Optionally, anoperator could switch off the motor 120 by the cab switch to partiallyopen the window assembly 30.

To close the movable window panes 46, 48, the operator presses a switchin the cab (not shown). Referring to FIG. 3, the shaft 122 of the motor120 drives the first gear 90 in a counterclockwise direction. The firstgear 90, which is engaging the tape 140, pulls the lower length 154 ofthe tape loop 144 rightwardly and away from the second slidable windowpane 48. The teeth 189 of the first lower connector arm 180 engaging thelower length 154 of the tape loop 144 cause the laterally coupledcorresponding mounting brackets 50 to slide to the right thereby pullingthe second slidable window pane 48 from the open position shown in FIG.3 to the closed position shown in FIG. 2. Simultaneously, the secondgear 110 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction by the pullingmovement of the lower length 154 of the tape loop 144 in the rightwardlydirection. The second gear 110 and lower tape length 154 cooperativelypull the upper length 153 of the tape loop 144 to the left and away fromthe first slidable window pane 46. The teeth 179 of the second upperconnector arm 170 engaging the tape 140 causes the laterally coupledcorresponding mounting brackets 50 to slide to the left and to pull thefirst slidable window pane 46 from the open position shown in Figure 3to the closed position shown in FIG. 2. When the seals 49 of the movablewindow panes 46, 48 engage or when the second upper connector arm 170and the first lower connector arm 180 engage the central support arm 210as shown in FIG. 2, further rotation of the motor 120 is prevented andthe motor 120 stalls and turns off.

Advantageously, the power drive mechanism 60 is vertically adjustablerelative the window assembly 30 during both assembly and during thepull/pull operation of the power window assembly 24 as enabled by theupper end portions 164, 174, 184, 194 of the connector arms 160, 170,180, 190 being slip-fittedly inserted in the pockets 57 of the mountingbrackets 50. Thus, the connector arms 160, 170, 180, 190 are free tofloat vertically up and down within the pockets 57 of the mountingbrackets 50 and also are free to pivot forward or rearward duringassembly and operation of the power window assembly 24. It will beappreciated that the single channel member 62 slidably guides thelateral movement of all of the connector arms 160, 170, 180, 190 andprevents vertical removal of the connector arms 160, 170, 180, 190relative the power drive mechanism 60 once the power drive mechanism 60is mounted to the vehicle structure 21.

It be appreciated that the upper and lower lengths 153, 154 of the tapeloop 144 are vertically aligned in the assembled condition such that theentire power drive mechanism 60 is longitudinally narrow while stillproviding a continuous loop tape 144 system which allows packaging inlongitudinally narrow locations. It will be appreciated that thispackaging advantage is enabled by having the width of the tape 144oriented normal to the slidable window panes 46, 48 and by providinglower connector arms 180, 190 having laterally extending pass slots 201which slidably engage the upper length 153 while not interfering withlateral movement thereof. In essence, the lower connector arms 180, 190extend vertically downward through the upper length 153 of the tape loop144 for engaging the lower length 154 of tape loop 144 while notinterfering with the movement of the upper length 153 of tape loop 144.It will further be appreciated that the use of the length of tape 140formed into a continuous loop 144 enables the tape 140 to constantly bein tension with any slight slack removed by the tensioner member 130. Inaddition, the provision of the continuous tape loop 144 in combinationwith two connector members 160, 170, 180, 190 on each of the slidablewindow panes 46, 48 enables a pull/pull operation which simultaneouslypulls both window panes 46, 48 open and pulls both window panes closed46, 48 closed by the same amount.

In addition, the pull/pull system having a tape 140 continually intension greatly deters vehicle theft when compared with the manuallyslidable windows or a window that pushes open. For example, if theslidable window panes on a manual or push open system are left in apartially open or cracked open position, the window can be furtherpushed open when the vehicle 20 is unattended to gain access to thevehicle interior. In contrast, it is extremely difficult to move thepartially open slidable window panes 46, 48 on the pull/pull systemunless the motor 120 is activated or the power drive mechanism 60 ispartially disassembled.

Advantageously, the tape 140 is located entirely beneath the channelmember 62 and an elongated track or sheath is not required to guide thetape 140 or to keep the tape 140 from buckling since the power drivemechanism 60 is a pull/pull system which constantly applies tension onthe tape loop 144 for pulling the slidable window panes 46, 48 betweenthe closed and open positions.

It will be appreciated that the present invention provides a power drivemechanism 60 which has a greatly reduced number of fasteners over theprior art. The entire power drive mechanism 60 snap-fits or slip-fitstogether, with the only exception of three fasteners 83 for connectionof the electric motor 120 to the first housing member 70.

It will be understood that a person skilled in the art may makemodifications to the embodiments shown herein within the scope andintent of the claims.

Although the preferred embodiment shows the upper and lower connectorarms 160, 170, 180, 190 connected to the respective mounting brackets50, it will further be appreciated that the mounting brackets 50 couldbe either be eliminated or integrally formed with each of the upper andlower connector arms 160, 170, 180, 190 such that the upper and lowerconnector arms 160, 170, 180, 190 are operatively connected to thewindow panes 46, 48 by gluing, bonding or other methods of mechanicalfastening. Although the preferred embodiment shows the upper and lowerconnector arms 160, 170, 180, 190 adjustably connected to the respectivemounting brackets 50, it will further be appreciated that the upper andlower connector arms 160, 170, 180, 190 could also be rigidly connectedto the respective mounting brackets 50 for operative connection of theupper and lower connector arms 160, 170, 180, 190 to the window panes46, 48.

Although the preferred embodiment shows the motor 120 and casing 124riveted to the first housing member 70, it will be appreciated that manyattachment methods may be used, including a snap-fitted attachmentmethod which would advantageously eliminate motor fasteners 83 from thepower drive mechanism 60. Although the power drive mechanism 60 includesa central support arm 210, none or more than one support arm 210 may beprovided with the power drive mechanism 60 depending on the laterallength of the window assembly 30.

Advantageously, the width of the entire power drive mechanism 60 may beeasily modified to use with any lateral length of window assembly 30simply by changing the lateral length of the channel member 62 and thetape 140 without otherwise modifying any of the other components. Itwill also be appreciated that the power drive mechanism 60 could bemounted on the outboard side of the window assembly 30 with the slidableand stationary window panes 46, 48, 40, 42 switching inboard andoutboard channels 34, 36 in the frame 32. It will further be appreciatedthat the lateral locations of the first and second housing members 70,100 could be swapped. It will further be appreciated that the powerdrive mechanism 60 can be used for powered operation of any laterallyslidable window panes within any type of vehicle.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show an alternate embodiment of the invention similar tothe embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-10, but showing an alternate embodimentof the upper end portions 164, 174, 184, 194 of the connector arms 160,170, 180, 190. Similar components in FIGS. 11 and 12 are denoted by thesame numerals as the embodiment in FIGS. 1-10 and have the samedescription. As exemplified by the second upper connector arm 170' shownin FIGS. 11 and 12, the generally T-shaped upper portion 171' of theconnector arm 170' includes a laterally extending tapereddovetail-shaped upper end portion 174' which is planar in a verticaldirection. The dovetail-shaped upper end portion 174' replaces therod-shaped upper end portions 164, 174, 184, 194 shown in FIGS. 1-10.The dovetail-shaped upper end portion 174' extends laterally outwardfrom the neck portion 175' and has a center integrally connected to anupper end 177' of the neck portion 175' When the connector arm 170' isassembled to a mounting bracket 50', the dovetail-shaped upper endportion 174' is seated in the pocket 57' of the mounting bracket 50' andis vertically slidable relative to the mounting bracket 50' to provide avertically adjustable floating connection between the window assembly30' and the power drive mechanism 60'.

Advantageously, the present invention is easily modified to provide apower window assembly 324 for use with a window assembly 330 having aslidable window pane 346. FIGS. 13-15 show another alternate embodimentof a power window assembly 324 in which a vehicle 320 includes a windowassembly 330 having a single central slidable window pane 346 and firstand second stationary window panes 340, 342 conventionally mounted in aframe 332 for attachment to the vehicle 320. The slidable window pane346 is moveable between a closed position shown in FIG. 14 and an openposition shown in FIG. 15. The window assembly 330 includes mountingbrackets 350 rigidly attached to the slidable window pane 346 and havinga description similar to the mounting brackets 50 shown in Figures 1-10.

A power drive mechanism 360 includes a channel member 362 extendingbetween first and second housing members 370, 400, a first gear (notshown) rotatably supported on the first housing member 370 and driven byan electric motor 420, a length of tape 440 having a plurality of slots(not shown) therein and formed into a tape loop 444 and rotativelycoupling the first gear to a second gear (not shown) supported in thesecond housing member 400, a stop member 333 connected to the tape 440,and first and second floating upper connector arms 460, 470 foradjustably connecting and laterally coupling the tape 440 of the powerdrive mechanism 360 to the mounting brackets 350 of the window assembly330.

The first housing member 370, second housing member 400, channel member362, first gear, second gear, and tape loop 444 all have descriptionssimilar to the corresponding parts in FIGS. 1-10. Accordingly, the firstand second upper connector arms 460, 470 are adjustably connected to themounting brackets 350 on opposing lateral sides of the slidable windowpane 346 and have a description similar to the upper connector arms 160,170 shown in FIGS. 1-10 including downwardly depending teeth 469, 479for connecting to an upper length 453 of the tape 440. The stop member333 is snapped onto, and secured in position on a lower length 454 ofthe tape loop 444 for stalling the motor 420 when the slidable windowpane 346 is in the open position, as described further hereinafter.

Since the lower connector arms 180, 190 shown in the embodiment in FIGS.1-10 are eliminated when using a single slidable window pane 346, thelength of tape 440 is held in the tape loop 444 by snapping a first end446 of the tape 440 and a second end 448 of the tape 440 onto thedownwardly depending teeth 479 of a lower end portion 478 of the secondupper connector arm 470 in a similar manner as attachment of the tape140 to the first lower connector arm 180 as shown in FIG. 6.

The power window assembly 324 is cooperatively provided by connection ofthe window assembly 330 and the power drive mechanism 360 which are eachseparately and independently assembled apart from the vehicle 320 in amanner similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 1-10. It willbe appreciated that assembly of the power drive mechanism 360 isslightly modified in that the stop member 333 is attached to the lowerlength 454 of the tape loop 444 and the ends 446, 448 of tape loop 444are connected to the second upper connector member 470. It will furtherbe appreciated that assembly of the power drive mechanism 360 to thewindow assembly 330 is slightly modified in that the first and secondupper connector arms 460, 470 are vertically adjustably and pivotallyconnected to the mounting brackets 350 similar to the upper connectorarms 160, 170 of FIGS. 1-10, but that the lower connector arms 180, 190are eliminated.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the power drive mechanism 360 pulls openand pulls closed the slidable window pane 346 as follows. To open themovable window pane 346, the operator pushes a switch in the cab, notshown, which is connected to the reversible electric motor 420 and theelectric motor 420 drives the first gear in a counterclockwisedirection. The first gear which is engaging the tape 440 pulls the lowerlength 454 of the tape loop 444 towards the slidable window pane 346which in turn rotates the second gear in the counterclockwise directionand pulls the upper length 453 of the tape loop 444 leftwardly and awayfrom the slidable window pane 346. The teeth 479 extending from thesecond upper connector arm 470 and engaging the tape 440 causes thelaterally coupled respective mounting bracket 450 to slide to the leftand to pull the first movable window pane 346 from the closed positionshown in FIG. 14 to the open position shown in FIG. 15. When theslidable window pane 346 arrives at the fully open position shown inFIG. 2, the stop member 333 has been pulled to the right and engages thefirst housing member 370, thus preventing further rotation of the motor420 which then stalls and switches off. It will be appreciated that thestop member 333 may be eliminated and that the second connector arm 470may instead engage the second housing member 400 to stop the motor 420by moving the second housing member 400 to the right. It will further beappreciated that the stop member 333 may be moved further rightwardly onthe lower length 454 of the tape loop 444 to limit the amount of openingof the slidable window pane 346 to less than that shown in FIG. 15, ifdesired.

To close the slidable window pane 346, the operator presses a switch inthe cab (not shown). Referring to FIG. 3, the motor 420 drives the firstgear in a clockwise direction. The first gear, which is engaging thetape 440, pulls the upper length 453 of the tape loop 444 rightwardlyand away from the slidable window pane 346. The teeth 469 of the firstupper connector arm 460 engaging the upper length 453 of the tape loop444 cause the laterally coupled corresponding mounting brackets 350 toslide to the right thereby pulling the slidable window pane 346 from theopen position shown in FIG. 15 to the closed position shown in FIG. 14.When the first upper connector arm 460 engages the first housing member370 as shown in FIG. 14, further rotation of the motor 420 is preventedand the motor 420 stalls and turns off.

It will be appreciated that the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13-15 may bemodified by swapping the location of the first and second housingmembers 370, 400 such that the motor 420 is located proximate the leftside of the slidable window pane 346. It will further be appreciatedthat the ends 446, 448 of the tape 440 may alternately be connected tothe first upper connector arm 460 or the stop member 333.

Advantageously and similar to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-10, thepower drive mechanism 360 is preferably vertically adjustable andlongitudinally pivotal relative the window assembly 330 during bothassembly and during the pull/pull operation of the power window assembly324 as enabled by rod-shaped upper end portions 464,474 of the connectorarms 460, 470 being slip-fittedly inserted in the pockets 357 of themounting brackets 350.

While the present invention has been described as carried out in aspecific embodiment thereof, it is not intended to be limited therebybut is intended to cover the invention broadly within the scope andspirit of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A power window assembly in a vehicle comprising:first and second slidable window panes for movement in opposing lateral directions towards each other to a closed position and away from each other to an open position; a first pair of connector arms operatively connected to the first window pane and a second pair of connector arms operatively connected to the second window pane; and a power drive mechanism including a length of tape formed into a loop for engaging the connector arms and selectively pulling one of the connector arms of the first pair and one of the connector arms of the second pair away from each other to pull the window panes towards the open position and selectively pulling the other of the connector arms of the first pair and the other of the connector arms of the second pair towards each other for pulling the window panes towards the closed position.
 2. The power window assembly of claim 1 wherein the power drive mechanism includes a motor and wherein the length of tape includes a plurality of slots therein, the length of tape being coupled to the motor for selective movement thereby, the loop having a laterally elongated upper length and a laterally elongated lower length spaced beneath and parallel to the upper length.
 3. The power window assembly of claim 2 wherein the window panes extend in a vertical direction and wherein the tape has a tape width oriented normal to the vertical direction.
 4. The power window assembly of claim 2 wherein one of the pairs of the connector arms is adapted for engaging the slots on the upper length of the loop and the other of the pairs of connector arms is adapted for engaging the slots on the lower length of the loop.
 5. The power window assembly of claim 4 wherein the other of the pairs of connector arms adapted for engaging the lower length of the loop each have a laterally extending slot for slidably receiving the upper length of the tape therethrough whereby the upper length of the loop moves freely relative the slots.
 6. The power window assembly of claim 1 wherein the tape includes a first end and a second end and wherein one of the connector arms engages the first and second ends of the tape to maintain the tape in the loop.
 7. The power window assembly of claim 1 wherein a first pair of mounting brackets is securely attached to the first window pane and a second pair of mounting brackets is securely attached to the second window pane and wherein the first pair of connector arms is attached to the first pair of mounting brackets and wherein the second pair of connector arms is attached to the second pair of mounting brackets.
 8. A power window assembly in a vehicle comprising:a slidable window pane slidably mounted to the vehicle for movement in a first lateral direction to an open position and in a second lateral direction to a closed position; first and second housing members mounted to the vehicle and laterally spaced apart from each other, the first and second housing members each having a laterally extending channeled portion therein; a laterally elongated channel member having a first end adapted for slip-fitted insertion into the channeled portion of the first housing member and having a second end adapted for slip-fitted insertion into the channeled portion of the second housing member; a first gear rotatably supported on the first housing member; a second gear rotatably supported on the second housing member; a reversible electric motor mounted to the first housing member and engaging the first gear for selectively rotating the first gear in a first direction and a second direction; a length of tape spaced apart beneath the channel and having a plurality of slots therein, the tape being formed into a loop and extending around the first and second gears, the loop including a laterally elongated upper length and a laterally elongated lower length disposed beneath and parallel to the upper length; first and second connector arms operatively connected to the window pane and each having a laterally extending channeled portion extending entirely therethrough and adapted for slip-fitted connection to the channel member and laterally slidable relative the channel member when connected thereto, the connector arms each having a lower end portion spaced beneath the channeled portions of the connector arms and adapted for engaging the slots of the upper length of the loop; whereby rotation of the first gear in the first direction pulls the first connector arm in the first lateral direction to pull the window pane to the open position and rotation of the first gear in the second direction pulls the second connector arm in the second lateral direction to pull the window pane to the closed position.
 9. The power window assembly of claim 8 wherein the window pane extends in a vertical direction and wherein the tape has a tape width oriented normal to the vertical direction.
 10. The power window assembly of claim 8 wherein the tape includes a first end and a second end and wherein one of the connector arms engages the first and second ends of the tape to maintain the tape in the loop. 